Procter & Gamble’s Dawn dishwashing brand expands its more than 40-year commitment to help save and protect wildlife with a $1 million donation to its wildlife partners and the premiere of “The Big Picture” documentary series, narrated by Golden Globe- and Emmy-nominee, best-selling author and Dawn Saves Wildlife advocate Rob Lowe. The documentary series highlights Dawn’s wildlife partners, International Bird Rescue and The Marine Mammal Center, offering inside looks at the difficult journeys of animal patients and how rescuers and volunteers advance wildlife conservation each day.

Dawn(R) expands 40-year commitment to wildlife rescue with $1 million donation and new documentary series featuring Rob Lowe. (Photo: Business Wire)

The 7-webisode documentary series spotlights stories of animal patients rescued by Dawn’s wildlife partners, including a newborn seal pup abandoned by his family after unwanted human interaction, and an ailing pelican contaminated by boating oil. The first webisode of the series premieres today on www.DawnSavesWildlife.com, with subsequent webisodes to be released online through September.

“As an avid surfer, I am at home in the water, and the well-being of our marine wildlife and environment resonates very deeply with me,” said Lowe. “I am honored to be a part of Dawn Saves Wildlife and ‘The Big Picture’ documentary series to tell the story that connects us all, from the selfless volunteers at the frontlines of the coastlines to the everyday wildlife champions helping with little changes in their own communities.”

Lowe’s passion for wildlife began at a young age with a generous act. At 15, he won The $10,000 Pyramid game show, and then donated all of his winnings to the Cleveland Amory Fund for Animals.

More than 40 years ago, wildlife rescuers discovered Dawn was the only product tough enough to safely cut through grease while remaining delicate on animals’ feathers and fur. Over the years, Dawn has worked with International Bird Rescue and The Marine Mammal Center to help rehabilitate thousands of animals every year through monetary and product donations.

“Not only do large-scale events and major oil spills affect the health of marine wildlife, our everyday actions also impact the bigger picture,” said Michelle Lohman, Dawn communications manager. “With this documentary, we aim to educate viewers and we’re proud to underscore the amazing, everyday contributions of our wildlife partners, International Bird Rescue and The Marine Mammal Center.”

Following each webisode, viewers can become part of the bigger picture by sending e-thank you cards to the rescue volunteers who take on this wildlife mission everyday. For more information, join the movement of Dawn’s Everyday Wildlife Champions at Facebook.com/DawnSavesWildlife and follow the series on Twitter at @DawnDish.

About Dawn Saves Wildlife

The Dawn brand has been partnering with wildlife and rescue rehabilitation centers for more than 40 years. Dawn has donated nearly 50,000 bottles of Dawn to its wildlife partners, the Marine Mammal Center and International Bird Rescue, to help volunteer rescuers clean more than 75,000 aquatic animals.

About Procter & Gamble

P&G serves approximately 4.6 billion people around the world with its brands. The company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Pampers®, Tide®, Ariel®, Always®, Whisper®, Pantene®, Mach3®, Bounty®, Dawn®, Fairy®, Gain®, Charmin®, Downy®, Lenor®, Iams®, Crest®, Oral-B®, Duracell®, Olay®, Head & Shoulders®, Wella®, Gillette®, Braun®, Fusion®, Ace®, Febreze®, Ambi Pur®, SK-II®, and Vicks®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 75 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.

About International Bird Rescue

International Bird Rescue (Bird Rescue) has been saving seabirds and other aquatic birds around the world since 1971. Bird Rescue's team of specialists operates two year-round aquatic bird rescue centers in California, which care for over 5,000 birds every year, and has led oiled wildlife rescue efforts in over 200 oil spills in more than a dozen countries. International Bird Rescue has trusted Dawn to save oiled birds since 1978. Donations from Dawn’s ® Everyday Wildlife Champions support International Bird Rescue programming, which consists of the operation of wildlife rehabilitation centers, research to develop better treatments for aquatic birds, a vast volunteer network, education programs, and training for oil spill response. Please visit www.Bird-Rescue.org for more information on this incredible organization.

About The Marine Mammal Center

The Marine Mammal Center (TMMC) has rescued more than 17,000 sick, injured or orphaned seals, sea lions and other marine mammals, along 600 miles of northern and central California coast, since 1975. Headquartered in Sausalito, CA, the nonprofit hospital rehabilitates these marine mammals for return to the ocean, studies and documents marine mammal health, and perfects clinical and diagnostic medical techniques. Through engaging on-site exhibits and school-aged and adult education programs, the Center is able to inform the public about the shared connections between humans, marine mammals and the oceans. The Marine Mammal Center is open daily to the public and offers docent-led and audio tours. Learn more at www.MarineMammalCenter.org.